Let the numbers do the talking.
Maplewood, NJ vs Montclair, NJ
Maplewood, NJ vs Montclair, NJ: What the data shows
Maplewood, NJ is in Maplewood, NJ while Montclair, NJ is in Montclair, NJ — both in the same state. On home prices, Maplewood, NJ is the more affordable option at $638,000 median — $35,900 less than Montclair, NJ's $673,900. WYLT rates Maplewood, NJ as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots — and Montclair, NJ as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Maplewood, NJ has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. Montclair, NJ has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Maplewood, NJ has Low flood risk and Montclair, NJ has Low flood risk.
Maplewood, NJ is the more walkable neighborhood. Maplewood, NJ scores 13/100 (car-dependent) versus Montclair, NJ's N/A/100. For families weighing school quality, Maplewood, NJ has the higher school rating — Maplewood, NJ rates 8.2/10 and Montclair, NJ rates 7.5/10.
| Category | Maplewood, NJ | Montclair, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Settle here | Settle here |
| Median Price | $638K ✓ Lower price | $674K |
| Median Rent | $2K | $2K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $166K ✓ Higher income | $130K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 13/100 ✓ More walkable | Car-dependent |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | 25/100 ✓ More bikeable | N/A |
| Commute | 38 min | 31 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | B | B |
| Violent Crime | Low | Low |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 8.2/10 ✓ Better schools | 7.5/10 |
| Best for | FamiliesProfessionalsCommuters | FamiliesProfessionalsCommuters |
Bottom line
Both Maplewood and Montclair offer similar family-friendly lifestyles with excellent schools, diversity, and relatively low commute times to Midtown Manhattan. However, if proximity to Midtown is paramount, Montclair's slightly faster commute makes it the better choice for professionals and families. If you prioritize walkability and don't mind a slightly longer commute, Maplewood's lower housing costs and stronger sense of community make it the more cost-effective option.
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